Vancouver, Wash. — Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza has launched two major rebranding initiatives: the new ‘Kitchen Delite’ store design — an open-kitchen concept that enhances the in-store experience for consumers and employees alike — and a new primary brand logo. This is Papa Murphy’s first introduction of a new store design since 2014 and its first logo update in more than a decade. “The ‘Kitchen Delite’ store remodel program is available for all stores nationwide, and we are so excited to showcase its many benefits,” says Victoria Tullett, senior vice …
restaurants
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse to Open in Pittsburgh’s Historic Union Trust Building
Pittsburgh – The Davis Companies (TDC) and Del Frisco’s Restaurant Group, Inc., owned by Tilman J. Fertitta and family, plan to open a Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse in September 2022 in the recently restored Union Trust Building in downtown Pittsburgh. Del Frisco’s reaffirmed its 15-year commitment, which will occupy 11,032 square feet of first floor and mezzanine-level space at the prime corner of Fifth Avenue and William Penn Place. The restaurant’s upper and lower dining rooms will be connected by the restoration of an existing grand marble staircase. The …
Maryville, Tenn. — Ruby Tuesday welcomes two new members to the executive team with the promotion of George Evans to chief operating officer and the appointment of Kathy Buckley as chief financial officer. With a combined 55 years of retail and restaurant experience, Evans and Buckley will serve as instrumental leaders on the Ruby Tuesday team. “We are pleased to announce the addition of George and Kathy to the Ruby Tuesday team,” says Shawn Lederman, chief executive officer for Ruby Tuesday. “They both have tremendous experience in the restaurant industry …
Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has promoted Mark Graff to senior vice president of business development and financial planning for Bloomin’ Brands. He will lead the company’s business development team, including asset and franchise development, in addition to his existing financial planning responsibilities. He will also join the executive leadership team. Graff has held various finance and investor relations roles with Bloomin’ Brands during his 9 years with the company. Previously, he held positions with Deloitte Consulting and Raymond James & Associates. “Over the past 15 months, we discovered …
— By Rick Orman — Why power surges are the hidden threat to restaurant business operations. The last decade has seen the rapid adoption of digital equipment in quick-service and full-service restaurants. It’s not uncommon to see mobile devices, fully digitalized point-of-sale (POS) systems, network-connected grills and self-service kiosks in restaurants. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this digital transformation due to the increased need to offer online ordering, contactless service and customer demand for a high-tech experience. While the use of technology has increased restaurant efficiency and helped create …
Seattle — Starbucks Corporation has made several leadership promotions to advance the company’s strategic business goals and position Starbucks on a clear growth path for the future. The company promoted John Culver as group president, North America and chief operating officer; Michael Conway to group president, international and channel development; and Michelle Burns to executive vice president, Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa. These changes are effective as of June 28, 2021. “As we plan for the 2022 fiscal year and beyond, Starbucks is fortunate to have a deep, talented and …
Las Vegas — Dina Mitchell, one of the driving forces behind Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which grew to over 900 stores nationwide, will debut a new quick-service restaurant project: PowerSoul Cafe. The chain is set to be the world’s first 100% gluten-free fast-food restaurant chain, offering both vegan and keto options, no GMOs and real fruit blended smoothies. Nevada has been selected as the launching pad for the new venture that projects 159 stores and thousands of jobs nationwide over the next decade. The first location is scheduled to open in …
Las Vegas — Capriotti’s, known for its award-winning cheese steaks and hand-crafted subs, is celebrating 45 years this month. Recently, the brand introduced virtual restaurants, opened its first ghost kitchens and partnered with Reef Kitchens to open shops in Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City. “It is hard to believe that our brand is turning 45 this year. We truly don’t feel a day over 30,” says Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s. “All kidding aside, Capriotti’s is an iconic brand and our are roots deep in the …
Huntsville, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal to bring nine locations to cities throughout Alabama. Legends Development, LLC will be bringing the restaurants to Huntsville, Marshall, Etowah, Auburn, Montgomery, Mobile and Talladega. Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, there are more than 125 Slim Chickens locations open and 500 restaurants in development. The brand recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years. For more information, visit www.slimchickensfranchise.com. …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has appointed Matthew Walls as the company’s first chief global development officer. In this new role, Walls will be responsible for creating a Global Development Center of Excellence to increase the footprint of both brands domestically and internationally. He joins the company from Domino’s. “Walls, as he is known in our industry, is experienced in delivering progressive business development strategies, innovative designs and solid partnerships with franchisees,” say CEO Ned Lyerly. “His global experience, strategic …